ELEW: From Camden to ELEW Plays Sting at SFJAZZ

Episode SummaryPianist Eric Lewis (ELEW) joins Backstage Bay Area to trace a path from a five-piano childhood in Camden, New Jersey, to the creation of Rockjazz, a career-shaping stint with {{Elvin Jones}}, and his latest project, ELEW Plays Sting. We explore how he translates songs like “Message in a Bottle” and “Walking on the Moon” for solo piano, why Sting’s writing resonates with him, and what to expect from his upcoming shows at the Joe Henderson Lab at SFJAZZ.Origin story: a four-generation musical family, conservatory training, and early mentorsLessons from the bandstand with Elvin Jones, plus touring with jazz greatsRockjazz: shaping a solo-piano language with rock energy and jazz rigorWhy Sting: the harmonic/melodic DNA of the Police songbook and beyondInside the album: “piano portraiture,” left-hand counterpoint, and arranging approachesPreviewing ELEW Plays Sting live at SFJAZZ (dates below)“I am the fourth generation of classical musicians in my family.”“After winning the Monk Competition, I was not considered record label material—then Elvin called.”“It was like father and son with Elvin—absolute nectar.”“Rockjazz is mostly rock and some jazz. It is about energy—and precision.”“I think of these as piano portraits—keeping the contour and harmony while changing the canvas.”“Message in a Bottle” (The Police) — ELEW solo piano arrangement“Walking on the Moon” (The Police) — with guest alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins on the albumEric Lewis (ELEW) is a pianist and composer whose career spans touring with {{Wynton Marsalis}} and performing with Elvin Jones to developing Rockjazz, a high-voltage solo-piano approach that bridges rock and jazz. His new project, ELEW Plays Sting, reimagines Sting’s catalog for solo piano (with select guests).ELEW — ELEW Plays StingJoe Henderson Lab (SFJAZZ), San FranciscoSaturday, Sept. 13, 2025 — 7:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 — 6:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.Tickets: Visit SFJAZZ.org and search “ELEW Plays Sting.”Host/Producer: Steven Roby — Backstage Bay AreaEditing & Post: Backstage Bay Area teamBackstage Bay Area: www.backstagebayarea.comSFJAZZ: www.sfjazz.orgFollow ELEW on social media and streaming platforms